Service learning program

About us

Kalani is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational retreat center that is run and operated by various volunteers, program participants, and staff members of our Service Learning Program. Our campus is nestled in the coastal forests of the Big Island of Hawai‘i and offers learning opportunities through classes, programs, retreats, events and permaculture gardening, as well as wellness services, lodging accommodations and a variety of immersive experiences for our local community and visitors from around the world.

We consider it an honor to facilitate educational and inspiring experiences while also learning more about ourselves alongside a community of other curious individuals from many walks of life. The Service Learning Program is a unique opportunity for people who would like to challenge themselves to grow through becoming part of a passionate team of hardworking, fun-loving creators. Be prepared to engage deeply in a path of personal development through service to the nonprofit, its mission, your fellow community members, the ʻāina and yourself.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY VALUES
Kalani's work traders working in the field collecting mulch

What is Service Learning?

We believe that the most effective way to learn is through direct experience. We see time and time again the transformative process of experiential education, not only through the tangible skills gained but also in allowing space for the empowering effects of critical thinking, various perspectives and deepened connections. Participants collaborate together to experience co-creation with people from diverse backgrounds and strengthen interpersonal skills while building a sense of social responsibility and civic engagement.

Our Service Learning Program participants share a value of learning through service that contributes to a collective vision, a sense of responsibility for our environment and community, and accountability for our own actions. This is not your average work trade! We do not consider our participation as a job or just some place to live. It is a unique opportunity to be of service to others, to the ʻāina and to your own growth, development and empowerment. We are honored to steward this land, to share its abundance with others, and we look forward to partnering with participants who thrive on being of service, are grounded in gratitude, and seek out the endless lessons from their environment. It is important to recognize the value of the experiences provided through this opportunity in order to benefit from it.

Kalani participants are involved in independent and collective projects that are of service to the ʻāina, our local community, and guests visiting from around the globe who hope to learn, heal, and grow with us. We foster relationships that connect us to one another and generate insight into our own life experiences. It is a truly special place and time to experience life in an intentional community.

We are elated that you would like to join us and to contribute to Kalani and this land!

Eligibility

Age requirement is 21+ and personal health insurance coverage is required. Some positions require a sharp mind, and others require more physical strength. Preferences and required competencies are listed in open position descriptions. We welcome all genders, races, orientations, creeds, nationalities and abilities. We encourage those from diverse backgrounds to apply and add their unique flavor to our community. We are not accepting applicants with children at this time. We are not accepting applicants with pets unless it is a certified service animal. Couples are welcome to apply as separate individuals, though please note opportunities that fit the needs of the organization and for two individuals may be less likely to align. Participants are not employees or ‘work-traders’, and are not guaranteed any future paid positions. Service learning participants are expected to be financially independent and provide for their program fees, basic needs and transitional costs.

What you contribute

  • Service (18-25 hours per week) consisting of the following:
    • Assigned departmental projects/shifts/meetings
    • Mandatory weekly community meeting
    • Mandatory monthly check in
    • Minimum of 1 Laulima (community project) per month
    • All assigned community support shifts (4 during the trial period and 1-2 per month after)

  • Program Fees and Deposits
    • $300 refundable security deposit upon recruitment
    • Monthly program fee that contributes to cost of living for the duration of your stay. Specific pricing will be determined by living accommodations available at the time of recruitment. (Options for partial or full scholarship are available at leadership’s discretion. Please inquire if you would like to  apply for a scholarship.)

  • Personal Growth and Accountability
    • We expect all Service Learning Program participants to be strongly interested in their own personal improvement, be open to learning how to collaborate in community, and be dedicated to a path of service that provides growth opportunities for themselves. Please review our Eligibility section for more information about who would be a great fit for this program and our community.
Kalani work-trade crew participating in parachute team building activity_resize

What you receive

This experiential education program provides a wide variety of opportunities to broaden your understanding of the world through both classroom and hands-on learning. We believe that the amount of energy you invest into the program will be in equal proportion to what you receive from it. Choose your own adventure!

  • Curriculum:
    • Permaculture principles in action
    • Sustainable living methods
    • Native and culturally significant species
    • Agriculture and plant identification
    • Hawaiian culture and language
    • Communication skills and practices
    • Social concerns and solutions for our island community
    • Intentional community building
    • Physical and spiritual wellness (yoga, arts and creative outlets)
    • Personal development and leadership skills
    • Rural community civic service
    • And more learning opportunities around every corner!

  • Utilities:
    • Living Accommodations
    • Electricity
    • Water
    • Drinking Water
    • Propane
    • Wifi

  • Food:
    • Produce from the ‘Āina (Land)
    • Cook for yourself or team up with others (a staff kitchen is provided or you can choose to set up a kitchenette at your own expense in your personal accommodation)
    • Occasional Community Meals (frequency varies)

  • Amenities:
    • Laundry washer & dryer
    • Free or discounted access to classes / workshops / events
    • Access to computers/printers

  • Services:
    • Mail
    • Trash and recycling
    • Onsite store with 20% discount
    • Wellness services discounts
    • Lodging discounts for Friends and Family

  • Intangibles:
    • Supporting a nonprofit that supports education, the arts, agriculture and our own community!
    • Empowering leading opportunities such as organizing meetings, town halls, presentations for the community, classes or activities based on your passions, cooking meals for the community with ingredients from the land and more!
    • Supportive, fun, and loving community dynamic

Service learning calendar

Participation in our community allows for being involved in focused projects and departments, as well as opportunities to be of service to the care of the community as a whole in areas such as shared resource management, weekly community meal support and tending to our abundant gardens. Click on the service learning calendar to get a sense of additional opportunities beyond your dedicated project area to get involved, and explore our ongoing class calendar that Service Learning participants enjoy access to by visiting the Calendar page.

Participation timeline

  • Application submission
  • Administration review
  • Applications for departments not in need at the current time will be filed for future review and the applicant will be notified
  • Phone / in person interview
  • Departmental leadership interview / follow up
  • Trial Laulima (community project) and property tour if possible
  • Acceptance / Denial
  • Orientation and signing paperwork, providing program fees and deposits
  • Moving onto property and beginning projects
  • 1 month trial period and community assessment for extension
  • Acceptance of 1 month until 3 month mark
  • 3 month community assessment for extension

Current community needs

We are not seeking new volunteers at this time. 

To stay informed about volunteer opportunities, please submit an application below. We will keep your information on file and reach out to you if a position in your desired department becomes available.

We appreciate your interest in supporting our mission.

Interested in other volunteer opportunities?

We offer a limited number of short term volunteer arrangements for special events and weekly events such as Ecstatic Dance. If you may be interested in exploring a unique arrangement, please get in touch with us!

Contact us

Almost there! You are one step away from submitting your service learning program application!

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our community! If you are interested in contributing to our initiatives and joining our team of volunteers, please complete the community participant application form below, and we will reach out if fitting opportunities arise. We appreciate your understanding that opportunities for on-campus community participants are limited. Due to the number of applications we receive, we review our pool of applicants periodically during the year, and reach out only as positions and spaces become available.
At this time, we do not have Service Learning Program positions available for those looking to teach classes at our center or for roles in departments not specifically listed. If you are interested in a teaching opportunity or sharing your skills through a class or workshop, please contact our team at [email protected] with your class description and we can put you in touch with our class coordinators.
Fill out the application below and one of our team members or reach out to you if you meet our current requirements. Please note that the application has a $30 non-refundable processing fee upon submission.
NOTE: Although preferences are considered when assigning departments and project areas, there is no guarantee that participants will be assigned to their preferred department, and because project work is determined by the needs of the organization at any given time, participation requires flexibility and cross-collaboration between departments.

KALANI AND COMMUNITY

Kalani is more than a retreat center; we are also a thriving and vibrant community of people living, working and playing together which the project work and operations of the retreat center make possible. Please answer the questions below to help us understand more about you and why you’d like to join us.

Health: Physical

Kalani’s rigorous programs and the tropical environment require participants who are in good physical condition. Because we live in a remote area of Hawai‘i with limited access to emergency services, it is important that we are aware of your past or current health conditions and agree to be covered by medical insurance during your time with us. Note: You may occasionally be asked to lift objects of up to 50lbs.

Health: Mental and Emotional

Kalani is located in an isolated part of the coastal jungle in Hawai‘i with limited access to emergency services. Communal living, especially so far off the grid, can sometimes trigger mental or emotional challenges for people. For this reason, it is important that we are aware of your past or current mental health challenges.

Participant Project Work

Kalani is looking for service-oriented participants who are willing to be flexible about their departmental assignment and are open to contributing aloha and service where the non-profit and community most need it. Please elaborate below about your related work experience and work ethic.
Drop your file here or click here to upload
Drop your file here or click here to upload

Mahalo for your application!

Thank you for your application! Our leadership will review your entry and reach out if a fitting opportunity is found. Please be patient as we receive many applications and as a small team, we only review our pool of applicants periodically and reach out as openings arise. If there is an available opportunity with Kalani, we will work with you to schedule a follow-up interview or trial participation days as part of the application process. If you continue to progress through to an in-person interview, you will then be contacted after completing the in-person interview for a final decision on your participant application.
Price: $ 30.00
Upon submitting this form, you will be redirected to the paypal website to process your payment. Sign-in to paypal or simply choose "Contune as Guest". All major credit cards accepted.